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King Headboard w/ Charger and Lighting

Submitted by Malka on Sat, 02/01/2020 - 15:21

I designed this headboard on the back of a napkin, after we couldn't find one at a box store that met our needs. I used Douglas fir 2x10 for the headboard/shelves and Pine T&G for the backing. My fiance etched a mountain range into an unframed mirror, which I then framed from the scrap fir wood, and stained to match. Also attached an LED Lightbar above the mirror, Dimmer switch LEDs on each bookshelf, and a recessed USB/Plug port. This wasn't the cheapest project with the electrical accessories added, but we now have a custom wooden headboard with bookshelves, lighting and chargers that will last us years and be far beyond anything we could have bought at a big box store for the same cost. 

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Honey
Minwax Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Ridge Media Console

Submitted by TLinskey on Mon, 02/10/2014 - 06:02

While working on this project I thought it was extremely challenging but in the end I changed my opinion and was extremely happy I took on and completed the challenge. One rule I stand by is if you start something you finish it. I learned how to use a router, jigsaw, and learn even more how clamps can be our bff's!!!!! My advice is to take this project on, go slow and if you need it ask for help! Good luck!

Built from Plan(s)
Ridge Media Console
Estimated Cost
100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut, Minwax Weathered Oak, Ragged White and Helmsman Spa Urthemane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Behind sofa table/bar/work desk

Needed custom size table that is versatile. Daughter can do homework, act as bar table, and work area. Chairs repainted and reupholstered. Screwed in multiple plug outlet to the side. First of many projects. Learned how to use Kreg Jig.

Built from Plan(s)
Sofa Table Featuring Jenna Sue Design
Estimated Cost
$60-$80
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr in intergalactic flat finish, then coated with polyurethane, table top white gloss then sprayed crystal clear enamel by Rustoleum.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Nursery Closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:46

This project is based on the floating closet tower build. This is the first time I’ve attempted a renovation project of this size, and I feel satisfied with the results. I did not purchase my boards from shelf help, I cut mine from a sheet and a half of plywood. Thank you for providing your plans for free. They are very helpful for beginners like me!!

Charity P

Built from Plan(s)
Wall Mount Closet Tower - Customizeable Size

Magazine file turned shelf

Submitted by kari on Sat, 04/28/2012 - 10:20

A long time ago I saw a picture of an old magazine file turned on it's side and used as a shelf. I loved it. And it had a curve that I loved too. After waiting over a year for vintage magazine file to fall into my lap, I decided it was time for me to take action.

I have it attached in the corner by my son's bed. It is a perfect little spot to hold his glasses, water, pills, and of course Darth Vader.

A few changes I made-
After cutting the side panels I drew a curve on them. It was 12 inches tall, and I started the curve up 4 inches from the front. I used painters tape to hold the 2 side pieces together and cut them on my scroll saw, you could also use a jig saw.

The old one in the picture had a whole on the front, so I added one too.

Because I planned to turn this on it's side, I attached the front and back to the bottom first. Then attached the sides. That way the sides rest on the back and front for a little support. I had to adjust the width on all sides for that.

It was super quick and super easy.

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Magazine File
Estimated Cost
all scraps - so free for me
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
some blue oops paint I had
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Buffet

Submitted by Kekkey on Thu, 02/13/2014 - 13:13

We used the plans for the Emerson-inspired buffet to create a cabinet for our kiddos school and art supplies. It turned out so beautifully that we put it in our dining room.

Built from Plan(s)
Midcentury Modern Console / Buffet Cabinet
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tinted water based stain, sand and sealer, spar urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Tube Puzzle

Submitted by mtairymd on Sun, 02/16/2020 - 08:42

This little puzzle was pretty fun to make and allowed me to use up some of the magnets from my last project. The goal of the puzzle is to remove the center piece from the tube. You will quickly notice that there isn’t much to the puzzle – no buttons, latches or any other obvious locking mechanism.

Build Instructions: https://www.instructables.com/id/Tube-Puzzle/

How it Works / Solution: https://youtu.be/N4ID3-wBdik

Blog Link
Build Instructions
Estimated Cost
$1
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil and Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Perfect Home Office Desk - Inspired by IHeart Organizing

I had the idea for this project after seeing how Jen at IHeart Organizing made her desk out of two IKEA Expedit shelves. I fell in love with the desk - cubbies, organization, great space, etc. My husband is the one who made this for me, he is a carpenter by trade. He didn't use the IKEA bookshelves, instead made his own, which ended up saving a lot of money. Expedit shelves are $60/ea and we ended up only having to spend $60.00 on the project. I don't have build plans, but the lines are very straightforward, so I think most could fashion this desk themselves just by looking at the picture - that's what my husband did! I gave him the measurements from IKEA's website for the bookshelves and he loosely based his measurements on those. Here are some links to my blog with the posts updating on the progress:
http://justhadabrightidea.blogspot.com/2012/04/desk-progress-almost-the…
http://justhadabrightidea.blogspot.com/2012/04/sneak-peek-my-new-desk.h…
http://justhadabrightidea.blogspot.com/2012/04/desk-update-it-has-arriv…
http://justhadabrightidea.blogspot.com/2012/04/desk-update-all-moved-in…

Blog Link
Desk Update - All Moved In!
Estimated Cost
60.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Spray Lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Armoire for Ella

Little Ella needed a big armoire for all her clothes and shoes, so daddy made her one.

Built from Plan(s)
Toy or TV Armoire
Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Gunstock
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Bed - Twin used as a daybed

Submitted by lrollins05 on Fri, 05/04/2012 - 07:54

My dad used the plans for the Simple Bed - twin size and built two. Then he took the headboards from both to build the bed for our daughter's room. It sets against a wall, so it looks like a daybed since both ends are the same height. She loves it! The other bed will have both foot boards and will be used in our son's room when he is old enough for a twin bed. Our daughter loves the bed and our son can't wait to get his....and we all love that Pap made it just for them! :)

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Bed (Twin Size)
Finish Used
Painted with interior white latex
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X Desk

Submitted by strouse6 on Mon, 02/17/2014 - 19:02

Great first project I used to justify the purchase of a miter saw to the wife. She promptly provided a list of additional items to build for her. This was a great beginner's project and confidence builder for follow on builds. Thanks Ana, Home Depot and Lowe's should be thankful for your site also.

Built from Plan(s)
$55 Fancy X Desk
Estimated Cost
$100 (initial purchase of some tools)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Ebony
Rustoleum water based semi gloss polyeurathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

carcreek

Tue, 02/18/2014 - 07:12

The dark staining in the pine you purchased is most likely the result of the pine beetle. This is the appearance of the wood infected with the beetle. It does not affect the quality of the wood but adds some beautiful colors and patterns!!
Very nice desk!

strouse6

Wed, 02/19/2014 - 20:36

I managed to snag another pine board with similar coloring for the top of a bookshelf I'm building. Thanks for the info - can't imagine why these haven't all been snatched up - are they less desirable? The wife insisted on the dark stain but in the future these will get poly or a light stain to show it off.

carcreek

Thu, 02/20/2014 - 10:06

I personally love the beetle stain. Apparently you either love it or hate it. For interest sake google a company called Azure wood. They are a company that harvests pine beetle infected wood and they make amazing and beautiful one of a kind furniture.

Providence table made smaller

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/17/2016 - 10:12

We altered Ana's plans and made a little bit smaller version of it. :)

 

Blog Link
Idealaari
Built from Plan(s)
2x4 Truss Style Farm Table
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tikkurila Valtti Puuöljy Akva
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Barn Door Pet Kennel

Submitted by Ana White on Wed, 02/19/2020 - 14:19

Built by Holli Peterson

Built from Plan(s)
Large Wood Pet Kennel End Table

Comments

hodnett1984

Thu, 08/31/2023 - 21:23

I’m looking to make one similar to this but looking to make it a little bigger for two Great Danes. Do you still have the plans and or cut list for this project to help me out. I’d greatly appreciate it if so.

Laundry Basket Dresser

Submitted by KaraBoo on Mon, 05/07/2012 - 10:18

I modified the tall and lengthwise laundry basket dresser a bit to make this shorter version. I also combined it into a single dresser instead of it being two separate dressers side by side. I put the dresser on casters so that I can roll it around my laundry room. I can tuck it away in the closet area or roll it out and use it as a folding counter.

Built from Plan(s)
Laundry Basket Organizer Tower - 4 Tall and Lengthwise
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Ultra, Enchanted Evening
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Mon, 05/07/2012 - 12:41

Love that it was combined into one and on casters. Very smart. Cool color, too!

Jenna Meagher (not verified)

Sun, 05/13/2012 - 09:02

I would love to do this modified version! Can you share your dimensions?

KaraBoo

Sun, 05/13/2012 - 19:35

Jenna, I used 3/4" MDF and these are the dimensions:

1 Back piece - 37 1/4" x 37 1/4"
2 pieces for top & bottom - 37 1/4" x 25"
3 pieces for sides and middle - 35 3/4" x 25"

I used the same dimensions for the 1x2's as are in the original project and pretty much assembled it following the steps as she has written. Just remember to add 1x2's on both sides of the center divider and you're good to go! Hope that helps and if you have any questions, I'll be happy to try to help. :)

Aimee Comte (not verified)

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 09:41

Do you know what kind of laundry basket you used & where you got them? Based on the pictures they look like the sterilite 2 bushel ultra however the dimensions look too big. Did you have to modify the plans to make them wider?

Thanks!

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